Marian’s new barista batch

A group of students at Marian College in Ararat can add a new skill to their resumes after taking part in coffee and barista training.

The Vocational Education and Training students completed the training under the direction of Short Courses Australia and with Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network funding.

The training provided the students with a qualification to prepare and serve espresso coffee.

CGLLEN partnerships and pathways co-ordinator Nerissa Gee said the organisation was proud to support young people build their employability skills.

“It was fantastic to be able to visit Marian College and see the years-11 and 12 VET students so enthusiastic about the training and having fun while undertaking hands-on-learning,” she said.

“As part of the course, they completed a theory component and then had the opportunity to take orders, make coffee and serve it to their peers while under instruction.

“Seeing young people accomplishing new skills they can use in future employment is really rewarding.”

Marian College Applied Learning head Dani Smith said students who completed the training would now be

qualified to participate in the school’s Café 17 program.

“It means they can put their new

skills to use making coffees for our school staff,” she said.

“As part of Café 17, students take

orders and make the coffees and the money they make is donated to different charities.”

LEARNING THE CRAFT: Marian College students, complete with masks as per work-environment guidelines, are pictured with Short Courses Australia instructor Bill Stevens while undergoing coffee and barista training.